Small Misdemeanours And The Real Cheats

[EastSaxCol]

Transfer probe queries 17 deals

Lord Stevens began his inquiry into corruption in March 2006

Seventeen transfers and five Premier League clubs have been named in Lord Stevens' final report into alleged transfer irregularities.

Deals involving Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Portsmouth and Newcastle have been highlighted in the report.

But there is no evidence of irregular payments to club officials or players.

Managers Sam Allardyce and Graeme Souness have been mentioned in Lord Stevens' report along with 15 agents, including Pini Zahavi.

Interview: Agents' spokesman Chris Heaton-Harris

Interview: Barry Silkman

There was a perceived conflict of interest with Newcastle boss Allardyce and his former agent son Craig and Bolton Wanderers.

Stevens also reported "inconsistencies in evidence" provided by the former Newcastle manager Souness and Kenneth Shepherd, son of Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Zahavi did not open his bank accounts for inspection and is accused of failing to co-operate fully with the inquiry.

The report also recommended that Fifa should investigate Zahavi's conduct.

Stevens also says that further inquiries should be carried out into agent Willie McKay registering a race horse in the name of Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp is a keen follower of horse-racing and owner of several thoroughbreds.

The 17 transfers 'uncleared':

Bolton

Ali Al-Habsi, Tal Ben Haim, Blessing Kaku, Julio Correia.

Chelsea

Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Michael Essien.

Middlesbrough

Fabio Rochemback, Yakubu.

Newcastle

Jean Alain Boumsong, Emre Belozoglu, Amady Faye, Albert Luque.

Portsmouth

Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwaruwari, Aliou Cisse.

One other transfer has not yet been disclosed.

Lord Stevens said in a statement: "Many lessons have been learned and strict adherence to and enforcement of the recommendations should ensure that the game and the transfer market can proceed in an untainted and transparent manner."

With regards to the future, the Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out a random audit of selected transfers from each window in order to further ensure compliance

Premier League statement

The Premier League will now send the findings to the FA and Fifa.

Football agents Zahavi and Barry Silkman were unhappy with claims they did not co-operate with Stevens' inquiry.

Zahavi admitted refusing to open his private bank account for inspection but he claims that no other foreign agent was as co-operative as him. Zahavi said: "It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect."

Silkman added: "It is an absolute total lie. A complete lie. Whoever he is, Lord Stevens, he is a liar. The people who have done this are liars.

It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect

Pini Zahavi

"I co-operated 100%. I went to see them with my lawyer and showed them every single bank statement.

"They saw money coming into my account and money going out of my account."

Craig Allardyce says he will continue to co-operate with the inquiry.

A statement released on his behalf read: "As stated in the findings, Craig has always co-operated with the inquiry.

"He is awaiting and will shortly provide further documentation in order to help clarify outstanding issues in relation to the transfers which are 'uncleared'."

In a statement through his solicitors, Souness said: "I cannot understand why my name features in this report."

Portsmouth and Newcastle feel they have been vindicated by Stevens' findings.

A statement issued by Pompey said: "We're not surprised the club and our officials have been exonerated by the report.

"Although there are transfers involving Portsmouth FC, the continuing investigations are into the agents and not the club.

"We always act in accordance with Premier League rules and have fully co-operated with this investigation."

Newcastle's statement read: "The report makes clear that Newcastle officials have done nothing wrong and have at all times offered their full co-operation."

Newcastle also called on the agents named to "assist the inquiry in resolving their outstanding queries as soon as possible."

An FA spokesman said: "Following the final report of the Premier League's Quest Inquiry, the FA will give full consideration to its contents and the documentation that is due to be passed on by the Premier League and Quest."

The Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out random spot-checks on future transfers using Quest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6755991.stm

[EastSaxCol]

Over to the baying media hounds

[nev]

didnt swindon town get demoted 2 divisions in the 90's when they had transfer irregularities.

i know there's was with the players and these incidents are with the agents no difference to me.

and i am no racist but the majority of those players are black.

[Sunderland]

Transfer probe queries 17 deals

Lord Stevens began his inquiry into corruption in March 2006

Seventeen transfers and five Premier League clubs have been named in Lord Stevens' final report into alleged transfer irregularities.

Deals involving Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Portsmouth and Newcastle have been highlighted in the report.

But there is no evidence of irregular payments to club officials or players.

Managers Sam Allardyce and Graeme Souness have been mentioned in Lord Stevens' report along with 15 agents, including Pini Zahavi.

Interview: Agents' spokesman Chris Heaton-Harris

Interview: Barry Silkman

There was a perceived conflict of interest with Newcastle boss Allardyce and his former agent son Craig and Bolton Wanderers.

Stevens also reported "inconsistencies in evidence" provided by the former Newcastle manager Souness and Kenneth Shepherd, son of Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Zahavi did not open his bank accounts for inspection and is accused of failing to co-operate fully with the inquiry.

The report also recommended that Fifa should investigate Zahavi's conduct.

Stevens also says that further inquiries should be carried out into agent Willie McKay registering a race horse in the name of Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp is a keen follower of horse-racing and owner of several thoroughbreds.

The 17 transfers 'uncleared':

Bolton

Ali Al-Habsi, Tal Ben Haim, Blessing Kaku, Julio Correia.

Chelsea

Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Michael Essien.

Middlesbrough

Fabio Rochemback, Yakubu.

Newcastle

Jean Alain Boumsong, Emre Belozoglu, Amady Faye, Albert Luque.

Portsmouth

Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwaruwari, Aliou Cisse.

One other transfer has not yet been disclosed.

Lord Stevens said in a statement: "Many lessons have been learned and strict adherence to and enforcement of the recommendations should ensure that the game and the transfer market can proceed in an untainted and transparent manner."

With regards to the future, the Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out a random audit of selected transfers from each window in order to further ensure compliance

Premier League statement

The Premier League will now send the findings to the FA and Fifa.

Football agents Zahavi and Barry Silkman were unhappy with claims they did not co-operate with Stevens' inquiry.

Zahavi admitted refusing to open his private bank account for inspection but he claims that no other foreign agent was as co-operative as him. Zahavi said: "It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect."

Silkman added: "It is an absolute total lie. A complete lie. Whoever he is, Lord Stevens, he is a liar. The people who have done this are liars.

It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect

Pini Zahavi

"I co-operated 100%. I went to see them with my lawyer and showed them every single bank statement.

"They saw money coming into my account and money going out of my account."

Craig Allardyce says he will continue to co-operate with the inquiry.

A statement released on his behalf read: "As stated in the findings, Craig has always co-operated with the inquiry.

"He is awaiting and will shortly provide further documentation in order to help clarify outstanding issues in relation to the transfers which are 'uncleared'."

In a statement through his solicitors, Souness said: "I cannot understand why my name features in this report."

Portsmouth and Newcastle feel they have been vindicated by Stevens' findings.

A statement issued by Pompey said: "We're not surprised the club and our officials have been exonerated by the report.

"Although there are transfers involving Portsmouth FC, the continuing investigations are into the agents and not the club.

"We always act in accordance with Premier League rules and have fully co-operated with this investigation."

Newcastle's statement read: "The report makes clear that Newcastle officials have done nothing wrong and have at all times offered their full co-operation."

Newcastle also called on the agents named to "assist the inquiry in resolving their outstanding queries as soon as possible."

An FA spokesman said: "Following the final report of the Premier League's Quest Inquiry, the FA will give full consideration to its contents and the documentation that is due to be passed on by the Premier League and Quest."

The Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out random spot-checks on future transfers using Quest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6755991.stm

Blah blah blah ... kettle and pot!

Relegate the lot of them, including West Ham and Sheffield United.

[EastSaxCol]

Relegate the lot of them, including West Ham and Sheffield United.

I had the impression that Sheffield Utd had aready been unceremoniously removed from the Premiership.

Pot-kettle-black ? You obviously missed the suble point that there have been real cheats getting away with far worse transgressions than West Ham's for years.

[soihok]

Transfer probe queries 17 deals

Lord Stevens began his inquiry into corruption in March 2006

Seventeen transfers and five Premier League clubs have been named in Lord Stevens' final report into alleged transfer irregularities.

Deals involving Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Portsmouth and Newcastle have been highlighted in the report.

But there is no evidence of irregular payments to club officials or players.

Managers Sam Allardyce and Graeme Souness have been mentioned in Lord Stevens' report along with 15 agents, including Pini Zahavi.

Interview: Agents' spokesman Chris Heaton-Harris

Interview: Barry Silkman

There was a perceived conflict of interest with Newcastle boss Allardyce and his former agent son Craig and Bolton Wanderers.

Stevens also reported "inconsistencies in evidence" provided by the former Newcastle manager Souness and Kenneth Shepherd, son of Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Zahavi did not open his bank accounts for inspection and is accused of failing to co-operate fully with the inquiry.

The report also recommended that Fifa should investigate Zahavi's conduct.

Stevens also says that further inquiries should be carried out into agent Willie McKay registering a race horse in the name of Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp is a keen follower of horse-racing and owner of several thoroughbreds.

The 17 transfers 'uncleared':

Bolton

Ali Al-Habsi, Tal Ben Haim, Blessing Kaku, Julio Correia.

Chelsea

Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Michael Essien.

Middlesbrough

Fabio Rochemback, Yakubu.

Newcastle

Jean Alain Boumsong, Emre Belozoglu, Amady Faye, Albert Luque.

Portsmouth

Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwaruwari, Aliou Cisse.

One other transfer has not yet been disclosed.

Lord Stevens said in a statement: "Many lessons have been learned and strict adherence to and enforcement of the recommendations should ensure that the game and the transfer market can proceed in an untainted and transparent manner."

With regards to the future, the Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out a random audit of selected transfers from each window in order to further ensure compliance

Premier League statement

The Premier League will now send the findings to the FA and Fifa.

Football agents Zahavi and Barry Silkman were unhappy with claims they did not co-operate with Stevens' inquiry.

Zahavi admitted refusing to open his private bank account for inspection but he claims that no other foreign agent was as co-operative as him. Zahavi said: "It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect."

Silkman added: "It is an absolute total lie. A complete lie. Whoever he is, Lord Stevens, he is a liar. The people who have done this are liars.

It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect

Pini Zahavi

"I co-operated 100%. I went to see them with my lawyer and showed them every single bank statement.

"They saw money coming into my account and money going out of my account."

Craig Allardyce says he will continue to co-operate with the inquiry.

A statement released on his behalf read: "As stated in the findings, Craig has always co-operated with the inquiry.

"He is awaiting and will shortly provide further documentation in order to help clarify outstanding issues in relation to the transfers which are 'uncleared'."

In a statement through his solicitors, Souness said: "I cannot understand why my name features in this report."

Portsmouth and Newcastle feel they have been vindicated by Stevens' findings.

A statement issued by Pompey said: "We're not surprised the club and our officials have been exonerated by the report.

"Although there are transfers involving Portsmouth FC, the continuing investigations are into the agents and not the club.

"We always act in accordance with Premier League rules and have fully co-operated with this investigation."

Newcastle's statement read: "The report makes clear that Newcastle officials have done nothing wrong and have at all times offered their full co-operation."

Newcastle also called on the agents named to "assist the inquiry in resolving their outstanding queries as soon as possible."

An FA spokesman said: "Following the final report of the Premier League's Quest Inquiry, the FA will give full consideration to its contents and the documentation that is due to be passed on by the Premier League and Quest."

The Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out random spot-checks on future transfers using Quest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6755991.stm

Blah blah blah ... kettle and pot!

Relegate the lot of them, including West Ham and Sheffield United.

Hope you do better than last time in the Prem!

And that really was a disaster.

He who lives in a glass house ,,should,nt throw stones.

Or something to that effect.

If your sentiments are that way,,You can look forward to many negative posts in your direction.

,,,,so come on ,,,,,play the game.

[Sunderland]

Transfer probe queries 17 deals

Lord Stevens began his inquiry into corruption in March 2006

Seventeen transfers and five Premier League clubs have been named in Lord Stevens' final report into alleged transfer irregularities.

Deals involving Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Portsmouth and Newcastle have been highlighted in the report.

But there is no evidence of irregular payments to club officials or players.

Managers Sam Allardyce and Graeme Souness have been mentioned in Lord Stevens' report along with 15 agents, including Pini Zahavi.

Interview: Agents' spokesman Chris Heaton-Harris

Interview: Barry Silkman

There was a perceived conflict of interest with Newcastle boss Allardyce and his former agent son Craig and Bolton Wanderers.

Stevens also reported "inconsistencies in evidence" provided by the former Newcastle manager Souness and Kenneth Shepherd, son of Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Zahavi did not open his bank accounts for inspection and is accused of failing to co-operate fully with the inquiry.

The report also recommended that Fifa should investigate Zahavi's conduct.

Stevens also says that further inquiries should be carried out into agent Willie McKay registering a race horse in the name of Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp is a keen follower of horse-racing and owner of several thoroughbreds.

The 17 transfers 'uncleared':

Bolton

Ali Al-Habsi, Tal Ben Haim, Blessing Kaku, Julio Correia.

Chelsea

Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Michael Essien.

Middlesbrough

Fabio Rochemback, Yakubu.

Newcastle

Jean Alain Boumsong, Emre Belozoglu, Amady Faye, Albert Luque.

Portsmouth

Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwaruwari, Aliou Cisse.

One other transfer has not yet been disclosed.

Lord Stevens said in a statement: "Many lessons have been learned and strict adherence to and enforcement of the recommendations should ensure that the game and the transfer market can proceed in an untainted and transparent manner."

With regards to the future, the Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out a random audit of selected transfers from each window in order to further ensure compliance

Premier League statement

The Premier League will now send the findings to the FA and Fifa.

Football agents Zahavi and Barry Silkman were unhappy with claims they did not co-operate with Stevens' inquiry.

Zahavi admitted refusing to open his private bank account for inspection but he claims that no other foreign agent was as co-operative as him. Zahavi said: "It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect."

Silkman added: "It is an absolute total lie. A complete lie. Whoever he is, Lord Stevens, he is a liar. The people who have done this are liars.

It is ridiculous for agents to be condemned while the clubs are all supposed to be perfect

Pini Zahavi

"I co-operated 100%. I went to see them with my lawyer and showed them every single bank statement.

"They saw money coming into my account and money going out of my account."

Craig Allardyce says he will continue to co-operate with the inquiry.

A statement released on his behalf read: "As stated in the findings, Craig has always co-operated with the inquiry.

"He is awaiting and will shortly provide further documentation in order to help clarify outstanding issues in relation to the transfers which are 'uncleared'."

In a statement through his solicitors, Souness said: "I cannot understand why my name features in this report."

Portsmouth and Newcastle feel they have been vindicated by Stevens' findings.

A statement issued by Pompey said: "We're not surprised the club and our officials have been exonerated by the report.

"Although there are transfers involving Portsmouth FC, the continuing investigations are into the agents and not the club.

"We always act in accordance with Premier League rules and have fully co-operated with this investigation."

Newcastle's statement read: "The report makes clear that Newcastle officials have done nothing wrong and have at all times offered their full co-operation."

Newcastle also called on the agents named to "assist the inquiry in resolving their outstanding queries as soon as possible."

An FA spokesman said: "Following the final report of the Premier League's Quest Inquiry, the FA will give full consideration to its contents and the documentation that is due to be passed on by the Premier League and Quest."

The Premier League and the FA have agreed to carry out random spot-checks on future transfers using Quest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6755991.stm

Blah blah blah ... kettle and pot!

Relegate the lot of them, including West Ham and Sheffield United.

Hope you do better than last time in the Prem!

And that really was a disaster.

He who lives in a glass house ,,should,nt throw stones.

Or something to that effect.

If your sentiments are that way,,You can look forward to many negative posts in your direction.

,,,,so come on ,,,,,play the game.

Ha'way kidda! We're on Quinny's magical carpet. We'll break 20 points this time!

[soihok]

Heard it all before.

Good luck this season.

Sad to say that the Blades wont be there......were,nt good enough.

None the less........fair play.

Hope you have a good year

[chutai]

Sad to say that the Blades wont be there......were,nt good enough.

And thus speaks a man with integrity

[EastSaxCol]

Martin Samuel article in the NOTW

June 16, 2007

Blades know nothing about playing fair

THE Campaign for Fairness in Football gets its day in court tomorrow.

High on publicity and puffed up with righteous indignation, Sheffield United will hit town to demand reinstatement to the Premier League at the expense of West Ham, for a breach of the infamous rule U18. It is only fair, they will argue.

So let us look at what else Sheffield United would appear to believe is fair — because now it gets interesting.

Sheffield United think it is fair that they can sell striker Steve Kabba to Watford for £500,000, yet keep him.

Sheffield United think it is fair that he should play against three of the teams that were in the relegation mix in the last month of the season, but not them.

Sheffield United think it is fair that they should paint themselves as whiter than white, while officially admitting entering into an arrangement contravening the third party interference ruling that is at the heart of tomorrow's arbitration hearing.

Sheffield United have some serious questions to answer.

Ethics

Like at what point were they going to explain the strange circumstances surrounding Kabba's deal.

Like how they account for official club information stating Kabba could not play against his former club because of a clause that was part of his permanent transfer and would, therefore, be illegal.

Like how they can keep up the pretence that there is one set of villains in this story, West Ham, and all the other characters display the business ethics and demeanour of the lovechildren of Bob Cratchit and Mary Poppins.

In reality, they are motley crew, this Campaign for Fairness in Football.

Mohammed Al Fayed, chairman of Fulham, is a supporter. His transfer market activities were believed so fair that in January 2004, his club was temporarily suspended from the international market by FIFA over unpaid debts on the Steve Marlet deal.

Similar action was threatened over the transfer of Louis Saha. "I am a man of principle," he says.

Then there is Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whe*an. He would know much about the boundaries of fairness having been fined £5.5m by the Office of Fair Trading for fixing the price of England and Manchester United shirts at his company JJB Sports.

Finally, spearheading the movement is that vested interest on legs, fair-minded Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe, who wants to re-referee the match after it has been played, to achieve the precise result needed for his team to win.

It is no longer suggested that West Ham should merely have points deducted, because a two-point penalty would not save McCabe's club.

A very specific punishment is required now — three points — the amount needed to keep Sheffield United up on goal difference and send West Ham down. McCabe has sanctimoniously demanded the league be adjusted on moral grounds in June, forgetting the skeleton in his own cupboard — 5ft 10in of striker, sold by Sheffield United to Watford on the condition he could not come back to haunt them.

March

Kabba played 14 out of 15 games for Watford immediately after his move. He played in a 1-0 win against West Ham, and 1-1 draws with Wigan and Manchester City.

But he couldn't feature in the defeat to Sheffield United on April 28 — because, according to Sheffield's website, his former club would not let him.

Manchester United insisted on a similar arrangement when goalkeeper Tim Howard moved to Everton — but at least chief executive David Gill did not march on Parliament bleating about fairness, when all the time his club had bent the rulebook until its spine snapped.

West Ham's actions over Tevez were wrong and the club was found guilty and punished.

Yet what is equally wrong is to pretend this is a rogue institution, out of step with its compatriots, when the merest scratch at the surface reveals an industry that is rife with suspicious discrepancies and transgressions.

Fairness, it seems, begins at home which, if he is to leave the Premier League with his credibility intact, is perhaps where McCabe and his fellow campaigners should stay tomorrow